Ahead of Chuseok, some local governments have begun providing their own livelihood support funds to ease residents' living cost burdens and boost local consumption. Six municipalities — Hampyeong County, Goheung County, Wanju County, Hadong County, Naju City, and Gimhae City — have each established their own criteria, with per-person payments ranging from 100,000 won to as much as 500,000 won depending on the region.

However, since the payment base date, application period, and payment method differ by region, it is essential to check the detailed conditions of each municipality rather than judging eligibility based on residence alone.

◆ Jeonnam Hampyeong County — 500,000 won per person, the largest amount

The largest payment comes from Hampyeong County in South Jeolla Province. Hampyeong will provide 500,000 won per resident as a 'livelihood recovery support fund' in the form of a prepaid card. According to the county's official notice, those eligible are residents who have maintained resident registration or a place of stay in Hampyeong continuously from July 1, 2026 until the application date, and marriage immigrants and permanent residents meeting certain requirements are also included. Applications can be filed from September 7 to October 8 at the eup/myeon offices with jurisdiction over the applicant's address or place of stay, and the funds can be used at designated locations until the end of this year.

◆ Jeonnam Goheung County — 300,000 won per person, direct visits to villages

Goheung County in South Jeolla Province will provide 300,000 won per county resident as a livelihood recovery support fund. To make it convenient for residents, officials will even visit villages in person, conducting on-site payments for a set period and then offering a separate application opportunity for residents who have not yet received the funds.

◆ Jeonbuk Wanju County — 300,000 won per person, concentrated payments before Chuseok

Wanju County in North Jeolla Province is also providing 300,000 won per resident. The Wanju livelihood stabilization fund targets county residents who have maintained an address in the area through the payment base date and application date, and is paid via prepaid card. The application and payment period runs from September 8 to October 30. A concentrated payment period will be operated so the funds can be used before Chuseok, with applications continuing through the designated period.

◆ Gyeongnam Hadong County — 300,000 won per person, paid in local gift certificates

In Hadong County, South Gyeongsang Province, a livelihood support fund of 300,000 won per resident is being provided. The fund is distributed using local gift certificates, simultaneously supporting residents' living stability and local commercial district consumption.

◆ Jeonnam Naju City — 200,000 won per person, total project budget about 23.8 billion won

Naju City in South Jeolla Province will provide 200,000 won per citizen, with a total project budget of about 23.8 billion won. The fund is intended to reduce household consumption burdens while inducing the money to be spent within the region.

◆ Gyeongnam Gimhae City — 100,000 won per person, project scale draws attention

Gimhae City in South Gyeongsang Province will also provide a livelihood recovery support fund of 100,000 won per citizen. As Gimhae has a relatively large population, attention is focused not only on the payment amount but also on the overall project scale and its potential impact on local consumption.

◆ Comparing amounts by region... total varies by household size

Comparing amounts by region, Hampyeong County offers the most at 500,000 won per person, followed by Goheung, Wanju, and Hadong Counties at 300,000 won each, Naju City at 200,000 won, and Gimhae City at 100,000 won. In regions where the fund is set on a per-person basis, the total amount a household actually receives may vary depending on the number of household members meeting the eligibility requirements.

◆ Not a 'nationwide Chuseok allowance'... application conditions vary

However, this support fund should not be regarded as a 'Chuseok allowance' paid to all citizens. It is not a single government program providing identical amounts to all citizens nationwide, but rather livelihood support projects independently established by each local government.

Application conditions also vary. Some regions set a specific date as the payment base date and require residents to maintain resident registration from that point until the application date, and the eligibility of marriage immigrants and permanent residents may also differ according to each region's detailed criteria.

The method of receiving the funds and where they can be used must also be confirmed. Some municipalities pay via prepaid cards or local love gift certificates rather than cash, which may restrict where and at which merchants the funds can be used, and in some cases unused balances may become unavailable after the designated period.

Therefore, even if you believe you are eligible, it is necessary to recheck the payment base date, application period, application location, payment method, and usage deadline on your city or county government's website before applying.

As grocery shopping and living expenses rise around Chuseok, some municipalities are releasing their own livelihood support funds of up to 500,000 won, drawing growing interest from residents. How much the funds will actually ease household burdens and whether they will translate into consumption at local small businesses and traditional markets also remain to be seen.

[※ Note: This article is for general informational purposes, summarizing livelihood support fund information based on materials released by each local government. This fund is not a government subsidy paid uniformly to all citizens; eligibility, residency requirements, application periods, payment amounts, payment methods, usage locations, and expiration dates differ by region. As related programs and schedules may change depending on municipal circumstances, please be sure to check the official website and latest notices of your local government before applying. No legal responsibility is assumed for missed applications or fund receipt based solely on the information in this article. AI was used in compiling materials and structuring sentences.]